Hancock Park

History

Back in 1924, George Allan Hancock gifted 23 acres of land to Los Angeles County with one key condition: preserve the land and properly exhibit the fossils discovered there. Little did he know his contribution would become one of LA's most distinctive natural landmarks, now known as Hancock Park in the Miracle Mile section of Mid-Wilshire.

Famous La Brea Tar Pits

The main attraction at Hancock Park is the La Brea Tar Pits - natural asphalt pools that have preserved prehistoric remains for tens of thousands of years. These bubbling pits have trapped and preserved countless Ice Age animals, creating a time capsule from the distant past. Right next door sits the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries, where you can come face-to-face with the excavated remains of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and other fascinating creatures that once roamed Southern California.

After being closed since the mid-1990s, the park's Observation Pit reopened in 2014, giving curious minds a chance to view impressive Ice Age fossils up close. Even if you don't want to pay for museum admission, you can still learn about the tar pits from informational signs scattered within the grounds and watch ongoing excavations - yes, they're still finding fossils here!

These lions guard the entrance to the La Brea Tar Pits Museum

Photo: Bill Abbott (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Cultural Significance

Hancock Park isn't just about prehistoric treasures - it's also home to part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) complex. This makes the area a cultural center, featuring everything from ancient Mesoamerican artifacts to contemporary collections, with special exhibitions rotating year-round.

The park offers open spaces and landscaped areas for strolling or picnicking. With its well-maintained grounds, it's a green space amid the urban surroundings.

Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass features a massive boulder suspended above a 456-foot concrete trench

Photo: cifraser1 (CC BY 2.0)

Pleistocene Garden

One of the park's more unique features is the Pleistocene Garden, which recreates what the Los Angeles Basin might have looked like between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago. The garden thoughtfully represents four distinct ecoregions: Coastal sage scrub, Riparian, Deep Canyon California oak woodlands, and California montane chaparral.

The garden's plant selection was informed by 35 years of research from fossil excavations in the area, providing an authentic representation.

The David Geffen Galleries with its distinctive curved form

Photo: RON RAFFETY (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Visitor Amenities

You'll find numerous seating areas across the park, meant for taking a break or enjoying a packed lunch. Clean public restrooms are conveniently located around the grounds, making it easy to spend a full day exploring without worry.

Dog owners will be happy to know that Hancock Park welcomes leashed pets, so your four-legged friend can join in on the adventure. The spacious grassy areas provide plenty of room to spread out and enjoy some fresh air.

Chris Burden's Urban Light assemblage with 202 restored early 20th century street lamps

Photo: Matthew Dillon (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Parking and Access

There's an official LACMA/Tar Pits parking structure available, but be prepared for somewhat steep rates (around $18). If you're looking to save a few bucks and don't mind a short walk, metered street parking in the surrounding neighborhood can be a more budget-friendly option.

Large animal sculptures in the north section of the park

Photo: cifraser1 (CC BY 2.0)

Historical Designations

The park's significance hasn't gone unnoticed - it's registered as California Historical Landmark #170, and the La Brea Tar Pits within the park are designated as a U.S. National Natural Landmark, underscoring the site's extraordinary scientific and historical importance.